Twitter OAuth Authentication Supported in Matrix
03 SepTwitter announced this week that, as of August 31, all applications using the Twitter API will be required to use OAuth authentication to access a Twitter account. OAuth authentication allows users to approve an application to access their Twitter account without it storing their password. Authorised applications are then listed in the user's Twitter account's client settings. Twitter has stated that this move has been implemented to increase security and provide a better experience for users.
MySource Matrix introduced the Update Twitter Status trigger action earlier this year (v3.28.0). This trigger action posts asset information to a Twitter account and was developed from the outset with OAuth authentication in mind. We believed that the OAuth authentication method provided the best security for our users and Twitter's announcement this week further solidifies this approach.
As this trigger action is already OAuth compliant, Matrix systems using the Update Twitter Status trigger action will not be affected by Twitter's new authentication rules.
MySource Matrix Newsletter Issue #293
03 SepOn Monday (September 6th), versions 3.26.8 and 3.28.4 of MySource Matrix will be released and the developers at Squiz Labs have been gearing up this week in preparation. Some of the exciting new features that will be included are a new setContentofEditableFileAsset function for the JavaScript API and an asset URL keyword replacement for Workflow custom messages. Both releases also contain a number of bug fixes and will be available for download from the MySource Matrix Download Page on Monday.
We also have some exciting new developments this week, most notably the implementation of Mollom's spam prevention service within Matrix. See below for more information on this feature as well as this week's other new developments.
Mollom Spam Prevention Service
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (November 10th 2010)
Mollom is an advanced spam prevention service that analyses the quality of content posted to sites and automatically determines whether this content is unwanted (spam) or legitimate. Image and audio CAPTCHAs are provided for content that Mollom deems inconclusive (or 'unsure'), effectively eliminating the need for the moderation of submissions.
Mollom's service can be configured for use on both Custom Form and Asset Builder pages within Matrix.
Check out the Matrix Fights Spam with Mollom blog post for more information on this new feature and be sure to visit the Mollom website for information on the accounts and pricing plans available.
New Keyword Modifier to Dynamically Supply Asset IDs on Keywords
Due for release in versions 3.26.8 and 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
A new keyword modifier has been added that allows you to dynamically supply asset IDs on keyword replacements. This keyword replacement takes the following format:
%assetid_keyword^as_asset:asset_keyword%
This effectively allows you to print the asset information of any asset (whose ID can be retrieved). For example, you may want to display the delivery address of an e-commerce order. You can use the order number keyword replacement to print this information, as follows:
%order_number^as_asset:asset_attribute_delivery_addr%
Proxy Support for the Funnelback Search Page
Due for release in version 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
Previously, a Funnelback Search Page would return an invalid response when trying to retrieve data from Funnelback using a proxy server:
Invalid response from the Funnelback server [FNB0002]This feature adds proxy support to the search page, allowing users on a proxy to connect to the Funnelback server.
Best Bets and Contextual Navigation Supported for Funnelback 9.1
Due for release in version 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
The release of Funnelback version 9.1 saw a couple of significant name changes:
- Fluster to Contextual Navigation
- Featured Pages to Best Bets
This small enhancement to Matrix updates the tag names for these features to support their functionality in version 3.28.4.
Matrix Fights Spam with Mollom
02 SepIn a bid to combat the onslaught of spam that plagues so many websites, MySource Matrix currently offers a CAPTCHA based protection service on forms. When configured correctly, these CAPTCHAs are very effective, although they can often be an inconvenience to legitimate users, in some cases even deterring contributions to your site. On top of these concerns, it has become increasingly apparent that a large quantity of spam today is originating from human employees of spam agencies. In such cases, even the most sophisticated CAPTCHAs do little in the way of protecting your site.
To tackle these issues, Matrix has implemented Mollom, an advanced spam prevention service.
How Does Mollom Work?
Mollom analyses the quality of content posted to websites and automatically determines whether submitted content is spam (unwanted content) or ham (legitimate content). If Mollom is unsure of whether a submission is spam or not, a CAPTCHA will be presented for verification. Both image and audio CAPTCHAs are supported.
Providing a CAPTCHA for inconclusive content effectively eliminates the need for the moderation of submissions.
Mollom boasts a 99.93% efficiency rating and adds that only about 2% of human users are challenged with a CAPTCHA image. These statistics promise to improve the accessibility of sites and maintain a high quality experience for both users and site administrators.
For more information on how this service works, visit the Mollom website.
Mollom Within Matrix
Mollom can be activated on Matrix's External Tools Configuration screen and requires Public and Private keys from a registered Mollom user account. Matrix also offers a Test mode for the implementation process.
Once activated, Mollom protection can be configured for use on both Custom Form and Asset Builder pages. Further spam check options are available on the configuration screen of these assets, including the questions to check and the content that is expected for these questions. For example, if you have a Name question on your form, you can set it as an Author Name question. This indicates to Mollom the type of content that is expected and it will check submissions accordingly.
Below is an example of a Mollom CAPTCHA on a Custom Form.
In this example, both image and audio CAPTCHAs have been displayed and an error message is shown to the user. You can configure the layout of the CAPTCHA through keyword replacements on the bodycopy of your asset. If the user enters the correct CAPTCHA code, their form will be submitted as normal. If they do not, their form will be rejected.
While Mollom's CAPTCHA technology is impressive, it is important to note that most legitimate users will never have to enter a CAPTCHA as their posts will be automatically approved and submitted. This background operation means that your site can remain protected from spam without disrupting the user experience.
How Much Does it Cost?
Mollom offers a standard free service to its customers along with two paid subscription options, Mollom Plus and Mollom Premium.
Mollom's free service caters to sites with up to 100 legitimate posts a day, such as a personal blog or small business site. This service also provides unlimited filtering of spam posts and up to 100 correctly validated CAPTCHAs (i.e. not spam).
Mollom's payment options start from 30 euros a month and offer additional features and support. You can view all the details of Mollum's account options on the Mollom website.
When is it Available?
This feature will be available with the release of Squiz Matrix v4.0.0 due out on November 10th 2010.
The Easy Edit Suite: What's New in Phase 2?
02 SepIt's been over three months since Phase 1 of the Easy Edit Suite was first released. Dazzling us all with its shiny, Mini-esque interface, it has been easy to look past its few shortcomings, most notably the lack of an accessible asset selection function and the ability to create assets. Phase 2 promised to obliterate these limitations and with only a week to go until its release, we have an inside look on whether or not it will deliver the goods.
New Buttons Equal New Functions
When first logging into the Easy Edit Suite, you will notice the inclusion of two new buttons in the toolbar. That's right, folks! These buttons launch the much anticipated Asset Creation Wizard and Asset Finder functions.
These are core EES functions and can be accessed at any time whilst using the Easy Edit Suite. This gives you the convenience of creating assets and navigating your site at a moment's notice.
These functions are also utilised to provide many other additional features that were previously not available to users. This is most notable in the case of the Asset Finder. The absence of an asset selection method in Phase 1 of the Easy Edit Suite meant that asset map reliant operations could not be used within the Easy Edit Suite. With the inclusion of the Asset Finder, a number of these operations are now available, with the ability to support more of these additions in future releases.
A nice little addition is the ability to exit the Easy Edit Suite without logging out of MySource Matrix (In Phase 1, the logout button automatically logged you out of the system). A pop-up is now displayed when the logout button is clicked, giving you the option of exiting the Easy Edit Suite, logging out of the system completely or cancelling and returning to the page you were previously viewing.
Now... Where Did I Put That Asset?
The Easy Edit Suite's Asset Finder allows a user to navigate the assets within a site, locating and redirecting to assets they want to edit. Dynamic asset lineages and displayed child counts mean that navigating even the most complex site is an effortless experience.
In addition, the Asset Finder allows for customisable root nodes via a new option in the EES' configuration file. These assets can be listed directly under your site in the Asset Finder to provide easy access to commonly used areas of your site (for example, the Documents folder in the above screenshot). Not only are sites a breeze to navigate, you can also have the most accessed areas of your site just a few, handy clicks away.
As mentioned before, the Asset Finder not only accommodates easy navigation, but also enables several functions that were not previously available to users. One such function is the Nested Content division.
Another awesome bonus is the ability to create new location links on assets. Previously, users could only delete and change the link type of asset links.
Selecting New Location Link will pop open the Asset Finder, allowing you to select the new parent asset.
The Linking screen also has the edition of link value input fields (shown in the above image) and a new section listing the direct children of the asset.
The Direct Children section displays the details of the asset's children and allows you to re-order these assets and navigate to a child's editing interface or directly to its linking screen.
Asset Creation is a Wiz!
The Easy Edit Suite's new Asset Creation Wizard allows you to create assets anywhere in your site at virtually any time. The Asset Creation Wizard's interface is simple and easy to use, with creatable asset types listed under selectable categories.
While not all assets can be created, the Creation Wizard does cater to a large range of page and file asset types. Selecting an asset type to create will display the Create Wizard screen for that asset, where users can enter the details for their new asset.
The Create Wizard screen has some nifty features including the automatic generation of file asset titles, populated from the uploaded file name; the Show in Menu option, giving users the ability to create assets as either type 1 or type 2 linked assets, and the option of creating assets in multiple locations by selecting multiple parents (the Asset Finder comes in handy here too!).
Once all the required details have been entered, clicking Create will create the asset in the system.
Good Things Come in Threes
Three additional metadata field types have been supported in Phase 2 of the Easy Edit Suite: Date, Multiple Text and WYSIWYG.
These metadata fields work in the same manner as in the Matrix back end: The Date field allows users to enter a date and/or time; the Multiple Text fields allows users to enter a list of values; and the WYSIWYG field allows users to enter rich text via the WYSIWYG Editor.
The addition of these metadata field types means that almost all metadata fields can now be edited within the Easy Edit Suite (with the exception of the Hierarchy and Thesaurus type fields).
So When and Where Can I Get It?
Phase 2 of the Easy Edit Suite will be available for download next week from the EES download page.
New EES users should refer to the installation guide for install and configuration steps. Existing users just need to replace their existing EES directory with the new one in the EES for 3.28.3+ download. No additional configuration steps are required. Please note that you will need to clear your browser's cache to see the changes.
If you have any questions about the EES, or you would like to request a feature or report a bug, please post in the MySource Matrix Support Forum.
MySource Matrix Newsletter Issue #292
27 AugMySource Matrix's E-Commerce Package has grown significantly since its inception, many aeons ago. In fact, over the past year, we have seen the introduction of some significant E-Com staples including PayPal integration, donation support and four new payment gateway options. All these features have helped Matrix build an E-commerce package that can cater to almost any needs. Our Squiz UK developers offer another addition to the package this week - the Promotional Code asset. This asset allows customers to receive discounts based on store promotion codes. These discounts are currently only based on quantity, but can offer both fixed and percentile discounts on products.
Meanwhile, our local developers in the Squiz Labs office have also been hard at work fixing reported bugs and developing new features for MySource Matrix. In addition to the Promotional Code asset, this week introduces three exciting new features. Continue reading below for more information and examples on all these features.
Promotional Code Asset for E-Commerce
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (November 10th 2010)
A new Promotional Code asset has been added to the E-Commerce Package to allow customers to receive discounts when entering store promotional codes. These discounts are based on rules, configured in the Promotional Code asset.
The Promotional Code asset can be found in the E-Commerce section of the New Child/Add menu.
You can set the promotional code and specify which items to apply the promotional discount to on the Details screen of the Promotional Code asset. You can also create a promotional rule, based on the quantity of assets purchased. A fixed or percentile discount can be configured for every X number of assets sold.
In the example below, we have set up our promotion to provide customers with a 15% discount for every 10 copies of the MySource Matrix User Guide they buy.
On the Item listing, a field is provided for users to input the promotional code. This code is then parsed to the Ecommerce Form Page through a request variable, configured on the Details screen of the Ecommerce Form Page asset.
For example, if the Asset Promotional Code Request Variable is set as 'promotional_code', the promotional code will be sent to the e-com form as follows:
http://example.com/ecom_form_page?promotional_code=CODE
If this request satisfies the Promotional Code configured for the purchased item, the discount will be applied to the e-commerce order.
In the example above, the customer is purchasing fifty User Guides (at $11.50 each) and has entered the correct discount code. A 15% discount ($17.25) is applied on the total cost of every 10 copies purchased. The customer will receive a total discount of $86.25 and the revised cost of the user guides will be reduced to $488.75 from an original total cost of $575.00.
Tool to Import Assets from an XML File
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (November 10th 2010)
MySource Matrix's import_from_xml.php script performs actions passed to it from an XML file (including the creation of assets, setting metadata etc.). This new feature introduces the functionality of this script to the Matrix back end, with a new import Assets from XML tool.
The tool can be accessed from MySource Matrix's System Tools screen.
On the Import Assets from XML Tool screen, select the XML file to use (an example XML file structure is provided at /__data/asset_types/tool_import_assets_from_xml/files/example.xml). You can also select a root asset if one is not specified in your XML file.
This function has been added to provide more flexibility for MySource Matrix's integration with the Easy Edit Suite.
Enhancements to the import_from_xml.php Script
Due for release in version 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
Along with the new Import From XML File tool, enhancements have been made to the import_from_xml.php script to allow users to set a root node, under which to import their assets.
This script now takes the following two optional arguments:
- --root-node: the setting of a root node.
- [ASSET_ID]: the asset ID of the root node to import assets under.
The new structure of the import_from_xml.php script is as follows:
$ php import_from_xml.php <system_root> <Import File> --root-node [ASSET_ID]This function has been added to provide more flexibility for MySource Matrix's integration with the Easy Edit Suite.
$ php import_from_xml.php <system_root> import.xml --root-node 125
Keyword Replacement for Asset URL in Workflow Custom Messages
Due for release in version 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
A new keyword replacement is now available on Workflow Custom Messages to print the URL of the asset that is in Workflow.
- %asset_url%: The URL of this asset.
This keyword replacement can be used on all Workflow messages. An example of its usage is shown below:
Dear %user_name%,
Your approval is required on asset "<a href=%asset_url%>%asset_name%</a>".
<a href=%preview_url%>Preview this Asset</a>
<a href=%accept_url%>Accept these changes</a>
<a href=%reject_url%>Reject these changes</a>
When the custom message is sent, a link will appear to the asset, as shown below.
MySource Matrix Newsletter Issue #291
20 AugEarlier this week, Managing Director of Squiz, John-Paul Syriatowicz, announced the launch of Squiz's new open source web experience management platform: Squiz Suite. Squiz Suite utilises a suite of products to satisfy a multitude of web experience management expectations. You can find further information on the announcement here and here.
As you can imagine, much excitement ensued around the office (and the world), as a result of this terrific news. But what does it mean for our beloved MySource Matrix?
Squiz is retiring MySource Matrix. Don't be alarmed, citizens! MySource Matrix will be retired in name only. Meet Squiz Matrix.
Squiz Matrix will remain an actively developed and fully supported product featuring all the functionality you already rely on MySource Matrix for. While the look of the product hasn't received a drastic change (in fact, the administration interface remains unaltered, apart from a smashing new logo), Squiz Matrix's main improvements lie in the enhancement of the Easy Edit Suite and its integration with the other products of the Squiz Suite.
Along with the new name, Matrix will receive a 4.0 product version number. Is this the same as MySource4? Nope! We've actually put together a handy blog post explaining all this and more, so please, feel free to have a squiz (pun intended).
Squiz Matrix is due for release in November of this year and will contain over twenty brand new features. In previous newsletters, we had been promoting several of the features for 4.0 (previously 3.30) as being released next month. While that will no longer be the case, I'm sure you will agree that it will be worth the wait! In the meantime, Squiz will still be providing releases each month for our current versions of MySource Matrix, 3.26 and 3.28 (see Release dates).
As mentioned, we do have lots of exciting features for both 4.0 and our current versions in the works. Three have been added to the pile this week, including one from our friends, Squiz UK (Allow Multiple Uses of URL Matches Trigger Condition). Continue reading for more information on these features.
setContentOfEditableFileAsset Function for Javascript API
Due for release in versions 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
This month's release of MySource Matrix v3.28.3 introduced the createFileAsset function for the Javascript API (see Issue #286 of the Matrix Newsletter). This function allowed users to create blank File type assets that users could then manually upload their files to. This feature introduces a new function that extends the Javascript API's functionality of File type assets by allowing you to set the content of editable File assets (CSS, XML, Text, XSL and JS Files).
The setContentOfEditableFileAssets function is enabled through a new Set File Content field on the Details screen of the Javascript API.
This function takes three parameters:
- assetID: ID of the asset to update content for.
- content: New content of the asset.
- dataCallback: the custom callback function (optional).
The format of the setContentOfEditableFileAssets function is shown below:
function setContentOfEditableFileAssets (assetID, content, dataCallback);
Please note that locks need to be acquired on the asset before setting its content.
This function has been added to provide more flexibility for MySource Matrix's integration with the Easy Edit Suite.
Allow Multiple Uses of URL Matches Trigger Condition
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (November 10th 2010)
Currently, only a handful of Trigger Conditions can be used multiple times on a trigger. This feature adds the 'URL matches' condition to this select group, allowing you to use the condition more than once on a single trigger.
This can be useful in cases where you may want to match against two URL condition or match on one condition whilst not matching on another.
This enhancement provides you with the ability to create more refined conditions for your triggers.
Caching 301 Permanent Redirects in the Remap Manager
Due for release in versions 3.28.4 (September 6th 2010)
An enhancement has been added to MySource Matrix's Remap Manager so that cache headers are sent for 301 permanent redirects. This can improve performance in the occasion that the browser does not cache the redirection, preventing the same request from being sent multiple times.
This feature was kindly contributed by MySource Matrix Forum user ndrw.
Squiz Matrix version 4.0.0 - is this MySource4?
19 AugSome eagle eyed Matrix users spotted the new 4.0.0 version number of the next stable release of MySource Matrix in our code repository. There's been a lot of speculation as to what that might mean and we've got some big news regarding MySource Matrix, so here it is straight from the mouth of our MD, John-Paul Syriatowicz:
I have some really big news for all MySource Matrix users. Squiz is retiring MySource Matrix later this year but don’t fret - we’re only retiring the name - not the product! Let me explain why. In a few months time Squiz is releasing Squiz Suite which is an exciting open source web experience management platform. As part of this major progression, Squiz is rebranding some products and services to more appropriately reflect how our offerings are aligned with each other; presenting a clearer message to the marketplace.
At a fundamental level, Squiz Suite features new products to enhance and extend your MySource Matrix system. MySource Matrix will continue to maintain the pivotal role under its new name - Squiz Matrix. Squiz Matrix will remain an actively developed and fully supported product featuring all the functionality you already rely on MySource Matrix for. Along with the new name and a 4.0 product version number, we plan to release new features and functionality to ensure Squiz Matrix stays at the forefront of web experience management.
MySource Mini also gets a new name - Squiz CMS – because with a host of new features it’s not so mini any more. We expect Squiz CMS to quickly become the tool of choice for editing and publishing content within Squiz Suite because users will be able to manage and share content in both Squiz Matrix and Squiz CMS from the one interface.
Squiz Matrix and Squiz CMS will be joined by two new products; Squiz Analytics and Squiz Search. Squiz Analytics offers innovative functionality and powerful tools to help you improve the content of your site. Squiz Analytics supports A/B or A/B/C (simple multivariate) testing of sites and allows you to create different test scenarios that can be measured to see which is the most effective. Squiz Search is a world beating search engine which utilises Funnelback technology - developed by Australia’s CSIRO - to deliver sophisticated search functionality.
These four products join together to form Squiz Suite which - far from a one point solution - offers the capability to satisfy a multitude of web experience management expectations. Each element of Squiz Suite plays a distinct function so I understand if you’re wondering how Squiz CMS and Squiz Matrix relate. Squiz CMS is all about ease of use, innovation and agility. It’s for non technical users. Squiz Matrix is about enterprise deployments requiring additional configurability and integration. It’s for more technical users. Many of our clients require both types of solutions in their organisation and Squiz Suite means you can choose a balance that best suits your needs.
There is much more to discuss about the Squiz Suite, indeed far more than can possibly be discussed in this brief message. I encourage everyone to attend the Squiz International User Conference on 20th-22nd October in Melbourne where we will dedicate much time to demonstrating what the new products can do and how they can extend your existing MySource Matrix system while saving money at the same time. I guarantee you will be suitably impressed with what you see.
So there are obviously a few things to talk about there.
Is this MySource4?
Squiz Matrix 4.0.0 is not MySource4. MySource4 was just a code-name for our next generation CMS product. Our thinking has evolved from one monolithic product that does everything to a suite of products that both integrate really well and perform one set of related tasks really well. Together, the products in the Squiz Suite form everything we ever wanted in MySource4, and a whole lot more. We have a powerful integration engine, a CMS that makes content editing a joy, an enterprise-grade search engine and a powerful analytics package with goal tracking and A/B testing.
How do I upgrade to version 4.0.0?
You'll upgrade from version 3.28.x to 4.0.0 as you normally would for any major release of Matrix. In fact, the administration interface has not changed at all besides getting a new logo. The real improvements are around the Easy Edit Suite and the integration with the rest of the Squiz Suite. Matrix now becomes your powerful integration engine that provides complex content and web applications to your suite. The EES gives Matrix a user-friendly interface for content editors and reviewers while still allowing administrators to dig into the system and tweak all the settings you are used to.
When can I get it?
We'll be releasing some sneak-peeks of our new products on this blog over the coming weeks. We'll show you some screenshots, some mockups, and give you a bit more information about how the features work and how easy the products are to use.
If you're heading to the Squiz International User Conference this October, you'll get to see pre-release versions in action. From November, you'll be able to download the Squiz Suite and try it out for yourself.
But I liked the name MySource...
If you're finding it hard to get over the fact that the MySource name is fading away, or you just can't bring yourself to remove the "MySource of inspiration" bumper sticker from your car, you'll be happy to hear that we haven't removed all references to MySource in the source code or interface. If it makes you feel better, go ahead and edit some designs using the mysource_files suffix, or print out and read the core/include/mysource.inc file when you're feeling down.
So, how are you guys feeling anyway?
Thanks for asking.
It's a particularly exciting time at Squiz Labs. If we weren't busy enough building one product, we certainly are now that we are building four of them. But even though our development team has been split, our products all work together to form the Squiz Suite and stop our development teams becoming isolated. In fact, our new products are based on a common framework that we will be releasing in the future to allow all developers to create their own products that integrate seamlessly into the Squiz Suite.
MySource Matrix Newsletter Issue #290
13 AugThis week newsletter delivers three exciting features from both our Squiz Labs developers and also our friends abroad, the Squiz UK development team.
First up we have a new feature from the UK devs, allowing assets to be linked as children under Link type assets. The Link asset, developed by the UK devs (v3.24.0), allows users to store both external and internal links as assets within the system. This enhancement can provide a wealth of implementation opportunities - we have included a nifty example involving listing Links and associated Images in an Asset Listing page.
We also have updates on two older features, first appearing in issues #278 and #279 of the MySource Matrix newsletter: Adding a title to images in the Insert Image WYSIWYG tool; and the new AttributesInfo parameter for the SOAP CreateAsset function. Further details and examples are now provided for both of these features.
Two minor enhancements have also been completed this week, in addition to these three features. Continue reading below for more information on all the aforementioned enhancements.
Apart from these additions, our developers have been working on the usual comings and goings around the office: bugs and unit tests. Some of the bugs fixed this week include 'Same search page results nested repeatedly when cache is on', 'Content file not regenerated for cloned snippets' and 'backup script not including db dump if you backup to an explicit location'.
Allow Assets to be Linked Under Link Assets
Due for release in versions 3.28.4 and 4.0.0 (September 6th 2010)
A small enhancement has been added to MySource Matrix's Link asset to allow other assets to be linked underneath it, as children of the asset.
For example, you could create a set of Link assets that each have an associated Image as a child. This could then be useful when listing these Links on an Asset Listing, dynamically displaying the associated images alongside the links, as shown below.
This feature improves the usability of the Link asset, enhancing its performance so that it is more consistent with the other assets within MySource Matrix.
New Image Title Field in the WYSIWYG's Insert Image Tool
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (September 6th 2010)
A new field has been added to the WYSIWYG' s Insert Image tool, allowing you to specify a title for an image upon insertion.
The Image Title field can be accessed on the Insert Image pop-up. Once you have selected and Image asset, enter a title or description that you wish to display for the image and click the Create Image button.
This title will be displayed on the front end when a user hovers their cursor over the image, as shown below.
SOAP: New Parameter for the CreateAsset Function to Set Attribute Values
Due for release in version 4.0.0 (September 6th 2010)
A new parameter has been added to the CreateAsset function (SOAP API Asset Service) to allow the setting of attributes. Previously, only the name of the asset could be set when creating an asset using this function. As such, there was no way to create assets with required attributes, such as a Single Calendar Event asset (Start Time attribute required).
-
AttributeInfo: the attribute information to set for the created asset. As this is a complexType parameter, it takes multiple elements: AttributeName and AttributeValue.
For example:Array('AttributeName' => 'description', 'AttributeValue' => test desc)
The new format of the CreateAsset function is as follows:
<soap:Body>
<ns1:CreateAsset>
<TypeCode>AssetType</TypeCode>
<Name>string</Name>
<ParentID>string</ParentID>
<LinkType>LinkType</LinkType>
<LinkValue>string</LinkValue>
<SortOrder>int</SortOrder>
<IsDependant>string</IsDependant>
<IsExclusive>string</IsExclusive>
<FileName>string</FileName>
<FileContentBase64>string</FileContentBase64>
<AttributeInfo>AttributeInfo</AttributeInfo>
</ns1:CreateAsset>
</soap:Body>
No Follow Links on Calendar Pages
Due for release in versions 3.28.4 and 4.0.0 (September 6th 2010)
Web crawlers can sometimes cause sites to struggle in MySource Matrix, traversing large numbers of pages associated with event calendars. This performance reduction is mostly due to the next/previous links on week and month views.
This minor enhancement adds a 'nofollow' relation on these links. This will prevent robots from following the next/previous links, eradicating the performance problems on such calendars.
Improved Handling of Typographical Errors in Layouts
Due for release in versions 3.28.4 and 4.0.0 (September 6th 2010)
Sometimes MySource Matrix will find typos in the layout of an asset, for example, %metadat_F% (rather than %metadata_F%). Usually, in this case Matrix's asset_edit_interface would return an exception, as it could not find the appropriate metadata screen. In some situations however, the system will be stuck in an infinite loop, constructing the xml of the screen interface and flooding the error log till the system times out.
This minor enhancement improves the handling of such errors, so that these rare error loops do not occur.
MySource Matrix Newsletter Issue #289
10 AugThe first Monday of each month (release day) is always hectic in the Squiz Labs office and this month was no different. Two new releases of MySource Matrix saw the light of day this week: versions 3.26.7 and 3.28.3. These releases contained 6 awesome new features as well as a hoard of bug fixes - 32 in total! If you are yet to check out these new releases, be sure to make your way to the MySource Matrix download page and have a look.
For the remainder of the week, our development team continued the laborious job of sorting through and fixing reported bugs and known issues. Despite this, we do have one new feature to bring you this week: a new global preference to filter form inputs of front end users. See below for further details on this feature.
Filter Front End User Form Inputs
Due for release in version 3.30.0 (September 6th 2010)
A new global preference has been added to filter form inputs made by users on the front end. This preference will strip script tags, strip Matrix keyword replacements and escape html from user inputs in forms such as Asset Builders and Custom Forms. Such inputs, in rare cases, can affect MySource Matrix's back end operations and may cause unexpected and potentially adverse behaviour. This preference completely eradicates this risk, improving the security of your system (and peace of mind).
This preference can be set through the new Filter Front End User Input field on the Global Preferences screen.
When this preference is enabled, user's form inputs on the front end will be filtered accordingly. An example of this is shown below.
The input of a user in the front end is as follows.
Hello %asset_name%.
<p>This is an example of user front end input & script
<script type="text/javascript"> dfx.noDocWriteAllowed("JavaScript example"); </script>
</p>
This input will filtered as shown below.
Hello .
>p<This is an example of user front end input & script
dfx.noDocWriteAllowed("JavaScript example");
>p<
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MySource Matrix Versions 3.26.7 and 3.28.3 Released
02 AugVersions 3.26.7 and 3.28.3 of MySource Matrix have been released today, each containing a number of bug fixes and introducing some impressive new features.
Version 3.26.7 is the latest release of the 3.26.x branch (released in January) and contains 30 bug fixes and 1 new feature. Version 3.28.2 is the latest release of the 3.28.x branch (released in May) and contains 32 bug fixes and 6 new features.
The new features introduced in these releases of MySource Matrix include enhancements to Matrix's contexts system, allowing keywords on alternate contexts to inherit metadata on the system's default context (detailed in issue #285 of the MySource Matrix Newsletter).
MySource Matrix v3.28.3 also sees the addition of a new Trigger action to remove a Workflow Schema (see issue #287), a new function for the Javascript API to create File assets (see issues #286 and #287) and a number of other great features.
To upgrade your system, please follow the relevant upgrade guides on the MySource Matrix website.
You can download these releases on the MySource Matrix download page.